Spatial Play Effects in a Tangible Game with an F-Formation of Multiple Players

Drawing on Kendon’s F-formation framework of social interaction, we analysed the gamespace activity of collocated players engaged in a tangible multiplayer game. Game input from groups of 3 players interacting competitively in a natural spatial arrangement via balance-boards requiring whole-body movements was logged and analysed quantitatively. The spatial analysis of a range of players’ activities in game-space revealed synergistic effects combining perceptual-motor factors with game-strategy behaviour which were reflected in preferred game-board playing regions. The findings illustrate the importance for HCI designers of considering interactions between human spatial behaviour, physical space and virtual gamespace as games become increasingly embodied and social.